Lescott, 31, who is off in the summer, is already a target for Besiktas in Turkey, Stoke, Newcastle and West Brom. But a move across Manchester would be as a squad player and Lescott wants regular first-team action.

Garay, meanwhile, is one of United's major targets for the centre of defence, alongside Porto's Eliaquim Mangala.

Argentina international Garay, 27, was impressive once again in Benfica’s 3-1 win at Spurs and is valued at £18m.